November 25, 2015
Bill Redmond-Palmer
December 1, 2015 will mark the twenty-eighth annual international observance of World AIDS Day. This year a broad coalition of groups will be hosting events throughout the community under the “B’more Aware of HIV” banner to honor those living with HIV, and to remember those who have lost their lives while living with HIV/AIDS. The day will kick off with a community press conference by the B’More Aware of HIV Committee, themed “Starting the Day to Light the Way”, from 10:30-11 am at the Walgreens Pharmacy at 6 N. Howard Street in Baltimore, 21202. Representatives of the Baltimore City Health Department, the Greater Baltimore HIV Health Services Planning Council and several community groups will take part in the event.
The B’More Aware of HIV Committee is coordinating a Citywide Candlelight Vigil to be held at nine sites throughout the city, all from 6:30-7 pm. Many locations will hold other activities and events before and after the common vigil, but all will share the same experience during that time. The nine Citywide Candlelight Vigil sites include AIDS Interfaith Residential Services (AIRS); The Baltimore Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated; Baltimore City Health Department; the Celebration of Community at the Mount Vernon Place United Methodist Church; Chase Brexton Health Care; Coppin State University College of Health Professions; Greater Baltimore Gethsemane Missionary Baptist Church; Institute of Human Virology / Jacques Initiative; and the International Pharmaceutical Student Federation of Notre Dame of Maryland.
The Citywide Candlelight Vigil will include reading of names from “The Book of Life,” a permanent and growing collection of the names of friends, family, loved ones and leaders who lived with HIV/AIDS and who no longer grace our community and our lives, due to their untimely passage. The Book of Life has been read publicly and in its entirety every World AIDS Day since its establishment on December 1, 1996, by the People with AIDS/HIV Coalition of Baltimore. The book is held in trust and maintained by The Positive Voices of Baltimore, in partnership with Celebration of Community. While each site will be unable to read the entire book due to their time constraints, each will read an assigned portion of names, to ensure that the entire book is read by the community.
HIV testing will be offered throughout the city, at the following B’More Aware of HIV Committee affiliated sites: JACQUES Initiative, Walgreens Pharmacy, 6 N. Howard St., Baltimore, 21202 from 1-4 pm; Celebration of Community, Mount Vernon Place United Methodist Church, 10 E Mt Vernon Place, Baltimore, 21202 from 3-7 pm; Baltimore Alumnae Chapter Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated, Delta Community Center, 2501 Springhill Ave., Baltimore, 21215 from 4-7 pm; Chase Brexton Health Services, 1111 N. Charles Street, Baltimore, 21201 from 9 am to 7 pm; Chase Brexton Health Services Randallstown Center, 3510 Brenbrook Drive Randallstown, 21133, from 9 am to 4 pm; Chase Brexton Health Services Columbia Center, 5500 Knoll North Drive, Suite 370, Columbia, 21045 from 9 am to 4 pm; and testing will be hosted by the Baltimore City Health Department at Baltimore City Hall, 100 Holliday St., Baltimore 21202, from 5-8 pm.
For information about any of the B’More Aware of HIV events, please search for “B’More Aware of HIV” on Facebook or email mgaynair@hopesprings.org. The World AIDS Day Celebration of Community will take place at the Mount Vernon Place United Methodist Church, 10 East Mount Vernon Place, Baltimore 21202, across from the Washington Monument. Services and vigils have been held at this location on World AIDS Day almost every year for over twenty years.
From 3:30-6:30 pm, there will be community health fair open to all at the site, and HIV testing vans will be adjacent to the church from 3-7 pm. From 4-6:30 pm, there will be a reading of the entire Book of Life. Community members are welcome to come and listen, and are invited to take the opportunity to read names from the book. From 6:30-7 pm as part of the B’More Aware of HIV Committee, Celebration of Community will host their portion of the Citywide Candlelight Vigil. At 7:15 pm, the vigil will be followed by the World AIDS Day Interfaith Service, to honor both those living and those who have died with HIV/AIDS. The service will be followed by a reception. To volunteer, sponsor or for more information about the World AIDS Day Celebration of Community events, please search for “Celebration of Community” on Facebook, or email celebrationofcommunity@gmail.com.
Another B’More Aware of HIV Committee affiliated group, the Baltimore Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. will host “Getting to Zero” from 4–7 pm at the Delta Community Center at 2501 Springhill Avenue, Baltimore 21215. The keynote speaker will be Baltimore City Health Department Commissioner, Dr. Leana Wen and will focus on youth, and will include free HIV testing, giveaways and light refreshments. For more information contact Monica Watkins at (443) 203-8118 or at physicalmentalhealth@bacdst.org. The Baltimore City Mayor’s Office and the Baltimore City Health Department will host, “Getting to Zero: We are Greater than AIDS” Commemorating World AIDS Day and Celebrating Life, as part of the Citywide Candlelight Vigil. The event featuring members of the Mayor’s HIV Planning Group and other local experts will be held at the Rotunda in City Hall, 100 Holliday Street, Baltimore MD 21202 from 6:30-7:30 pm. All are welcomed. You must present Photo ID to enter City Hall. For more information contact Cassandra Stewart at (443) 984-3996.
Chase Brexton Health Services at Mt. Vernon located at 1111 N. Charles Street, Baltimore 21201 will also host a reception and candle light vigil as part of the Citywide Candlelight Vigil from 5:30-7:30 pm. For more information contact Emily Stiles at (410) 837-2050 ext 1459. AIRS is celebrating 25 years of housing and supportive services and will host a World AIDS Day fundraiseras part of the Citywide Candlelight Vigil from 5-8 pm at 1200 Stuart Street, Baltimore 21230. For more information contact AIRS at (410) 576-5070.
The Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, Prevention and Health Promotion Administration will host “The Time Is Now: Share Your Story” a World AIDS Day commemorative event at 201 W. Preston Street, Main Lobby, Baltimore 21201 from 10:30 am to 1 pm. The event will feature the Maryland Quilts, educational exhibits, community speakers, and Administration staff sharing their experiences as we collectively work towards the common goal of “a Maryland with no new HIV infections.” For more information contact Tawanna Davis at (410) 767-5227 or Hope Russell at (410) 767-5087. The Healthy Teens and Young Adults Program at the Caroline Health Clinic located at 620 N. Caroline Street, Baltimore 21205 and the Druid Healthy Teens and Young Adults Program at the Druid Health Clinic located at 1515 W. North Avenue, Baltimore 21217 will offer FREE HIV rapid testing and FREE condoms from 10 am to 6 pm. All youth and young adults are encouraged to stop by and get tested. No appointment is needed. For information contact Tonya Johnson, MCHES at (410) 396-0185 or (410) 917-9112.
The Harriet Lane Clinic, located at 200 N. Wolfe Street, first floor, Baltimore 21287, will offer FREE rapid HIV testing and counseling to friends and family members who are accompanying a patient being seen in clinic on World AIDS Day. No appointment is necessary for the friend or family member. Due to limited resources, this offer is ONLY for person’s accompanying a clinic patient. For more information contact Noah Wheeler at (410) 502-8619 or njw@jhmi.edu.
The Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. Tau Eta Zeta Chapter in association with Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc., Epsilon Nu Sigma Alumni Chapter will present “Pillow Talk: An Intimate Conversation on Sex, Love and Relationships” at the Forest Park Senior Center located at 4801 Liberty Heights Avenue, Baltimore MD 21207 beginning at 6:30 pm. For more information contact LaShelle Tatum at Ltatum@zphib-thz.org.
On Monday, November 20, an inter-professional group of UMB students will host a “Local/Global HIV Forum: A Evening of Storytelling: People Living with HIV, Their Providers and General Professionals United to Address the HIV Epidemic in Baltimore and Beyond.” This forward will be held from 5-7 pm at the School of Nursing Auditorium, 655 West Lombard Street, Baltimore MD 21201. For more information contact Allie Reitz at (410) 706-8225 or areitz@ihv.umaryland.edu.
On Wednesday, December 2, join the University of Maryland’s MidAtlantic AETC at the 3rd Annual Behavioral Health Issues in HIV Management from 9 am to 3 pm. Breakfast, Lunch and CEUs are available FREE of charge. This event is open to the public and geared towards: Physicians, PAs, NPs, Nurses, Social Workers and other Allied Health Professionals. Register online at https://www.pamaaetc.org/events/view/3762. For more information contact Abby Plusen, MSSW University of Maryland AETC at (410) 328-2436 or (410) 960-3262.
On Friday, December 4, the Morgan State University Student Government will host the Annual AIDS Lock-In in the Student Center on campus from 7 pm to 2 am. This year’s theme is #Project Update and will include services for HIV and STD testing. There will be educational exhibits and presentations throughout the event. The event is for Morgan State Students only. For more information please contact Emily Stiles at (410) 837-2050 ext. 1459, or Nkaya at msusqahealthdir@gmail.com.
On Saturday, December 5, Providence Baptist Church located at 1401 Pennsylvania Avenue, Baltimore, 21217 will host a workshop entitled, “SAVE YOUR LIFE” from 9:30 am to 12:00 noon. Our guest speaker will be Carmi Washington Flood, Chief of the Office of Faith Based and Community Partnerships from the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene’s Prevention and Health Promotion Administration. For more information contact Angie Byrd at (410) 523-7000.
All of the following events in Central Maryland outside of Baltimore City are free and open to the public
ANNE ARUNDEL COUNTY
On Tuesday, December 1 the Anne Arundel County Health Department joins the United Church of Christ of Annapolis to host “The Art of Healing: In Memory of Reverend Dr. Wayne Schwandt.” The program will be held from 6:30 pm – 9:00 pm and will feature Dr. Lillian Nabuline, from Mind-Art-Power Projects, as the keynote speaker. The United Church of Annapolis is located at 8 Carvel Circle, Edgewater MD 21037. For more information contact JoAnn Scipio at joannscipio@gmail.com or the United Church of Annapolis at (410) 266-8596.
BALTIMORE COUNTY
On Wednesday, December 2 the Community College of Baltimore County (CCBC) in Essex and Chase Brexton Health Services will partner to host a World AIDS Day Celebration on campus. The event will offer FREE HIV testing and educational presentation about harm reduction and other prevention strategies. CCBC is located at 7201 Rossville Blvd, Baltimore MD 21237. For more information contact St. Matthew UMC at (410) 285-4466. The Baltimore County Health Department will offer free HIV rapid testing at several sites. No appointment needed. For more information on any of the following testing dates and sites contact (410) 887 2437.
* On Tuesday, December 1 at the Baltimore County Health Department Woodlawn Health Center located at 1811Woodlawn Drive, Woodlawn 21201 from 8:30 am to 7 pm.
* On Wednesday, December 2 from 9 am to 12 noon, and December 7 from 8:30 am to 12 noon at the Towson Health Center 1046 Taylor Ave., Towson 21286.
* On Thursday, December 3 at the Baltimore County Health Department Lansdowne Health Center located at 3902 Annapolis Road, Lansdowne 21227 from 8:30 am to 12 noon.
* On Thursday, December 3 at the Baltimore County Health Department Essex Health Center located at 201 Back River Neck Road, Essex 21221 from 8:30 am to 12 noon.
* On Saturday, December 5 the Baltimore County Health Department Mobile Testing Van will be at the Cockeysville Library, 9833 Greenside Drive, Cockeysville 21030 from 8:30 am to 12 noon.
CALVERT COUNTY
On Tuesday, December 1, the Calvert County Health Department located at 975 Solomons Island Road, Prince Frederick 20678 will offer FREE HIV testing from 9–11 am and from 1–3 pm. For more information contact Nicki Klecz at (410) 535-5400.
CARROLL COUNTY
On Tuesday, December 1 the Carroll County Health Department located at 290 S. Center Street, Westminster MD 21157 will provide FREE, walk-in, HIV and STD testing from 8:00 am – 4:00 pm. For more information contact Lille Rebert, BSN, RN at (410) 876-4771.
CECIL COUNTY
On Tuesday, December 1, the Cecil County Health Department located at 401 Bow Street, Elkton MD 21921 will conduct FREE HIV Rapid Testing from 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm. Results are available in 15 minutes. For more information contact Kathleen Martineau, RN at (410) 996-5100.
FREDERICK COUNTY
On Tuesday, December 1, the Frederick HIV/AIDS Coalition will host a World AIDS Day event featuring music, poetry and a HIV update educational presentation at Dublin Roasters located at 1780 N. Market Street, Frederick 21702. The program is scheduled from 7-9 pm. The program is open to the public, however they request that those interested please RSVP to FrederickHIVCoalition@gmail.com. For more information contact Darlene Armacost, RN, BSN of the Public Information Representative Division of Community Health Services at (301) 600-3363 or DArmacost@FrederickCountyMD.gov.
HARFORD COUNTY
On Saturday, November 28, the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., Harford County Alumnae Chapter under International Awareness & Involvement (Carol Abuto, Chair) will distribute literature, HIV Facts and red ribbons to the public at businesses and churches (i.e., DeChalet Salon & Hair Enhancement Center, Hi Tek Nails, Waters Auto Services, Help Center in Elkton, Multicultural Student Services at Cecil College, WAGE Connections, Ames AME Church, St. James AME Church, Bethel AME Church in Port Deposit, Helping Hands Ministries, Word of Faith Outreach Ministries, The Sharing Table) in Harford and Cecil Counties from 10 am to 1 pm to commemorate World AIDS Day. For more information contact Rosemarie C. O’Brien at (443) 910-4097 or escargotlady60@yahoo.com. On Tuesday, December 1, the Harford County Health Department will offer FREE anonymous or confidential walk in HIV and STI testing from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm at the health department clinic located at 1 North Main Street, Bel Air 21014. For more information contact Cindy Dawson, RN at (410) 638-3060 or (410) 879- 0205 x 3025 or cindy.dawson@maryland.gov.
HOWARD COUNTY
On Tuesday, December 1, there will be a World AIDS Day Celebration at Howard County General Hospital located at 5755 Cedar Lane, Columbia 21044. The Chase Brexton Case Managers at Howard County General Hospital will conduct FREE HIV testing and provide and other giveaways. For more information contact Emily Hodson at Howard County General Hospital at (410) 740-7890.
On Saturday, December 12, there will be a World AIDS Day Zumbathon Charity Event at the Supreme Sports Club, 7080 Deepage Drive, Columbia 21045. Doors open at 4:00 p.m. and the program begins at 4:30 p.m. sharp! The admission price is $15 in advance and $20 at the door. Proceeds will benefit AIRS/City Steps (www.airshome.org). For more information contact Anastasia Pierron at (443) 602-4565.
MONTGOMERY COUNTY
On Saturday, December 5, Allen Chapel AME Church, 2518 Fairland Road, Silver Spring 20904 will host the Heart to Hand mobile van and offer FREE HIV, Syphilis, and Hepatitis C screenings from 12–4 pm. For more information contact Sharon Coker at (301) 772-0103 or Allen Chapel AME at (301) 879-9232.
PRINCE GEORGES COUNTY
On Tuesday, December 1, the Prince George’s County Health Department, Prince George’s Community College Health Education Center, and local AIDS service organization Heart to Hand, Inc., will sponsor a World AIDS Day event from 11 am to 3 pm at the Prince George’s County Community College locate at 301 Largo Road, Largo 20774. The program will feature Dr. John Hogan, a renowned HIV/AIDS clinician; national hip hop artist, Tray Chaney; and a skit by the popular Kaiser Permanente Outreach Team. The event is FREE and open to the public. For more information contact Shelli Dinerstein or Rhonda Wallace at (301) 583-3150; Sharon Coker at (301) 772-0103; or the Health Center of PGCC at (301) 546-0845.
On Saturday, December 5, Hunter Memorial Church and Heart to Hand, Inc. will partner to offer free HIV, Syphilis, and Hepatitis C screening from 11 am to 3 pm. Hunter memorial is located at 4719 Silver Hill road, Suitland 20746. For more information contact Sharon Coker at (301) 772-0103.
On Sunday, December 6, the First United Methodist Church of Hyattsville HIV/AIDS Ministry will be observing World AIDS Day with a FREE luncheon and program. The teen group from Washington DC, PROMISING FUTURES, and KINGDOM CHILDREN DANCE MINISTRY, from First United Methodist Church, will entertain with their inspirational performances. Professors from the University of Maryland will lead an energizing and informative discussion, “How much do you REALLY know about HIV and AIDS?” The event begins at 1 pm and includes door prizes (Target gift cards and poinsettia plants). First UMC of Hyattsville is located at 6201 Belcrest Road, Hyattsville 20782. For more information contact Janis Sloane at Janis93136@aol.com.
TALBOT COUNTY
On Tuesday, December 1, Chesapeake College and Chase Brexton Health Services will partner for a World AIDS Day celebration to include FREE HIV testing and educational presentations about harm reduction and STD
prevention. Chesapeake College is located at 1000 College Circle, Wye Mills 21679. For more information contact Ben or Margaret at (410) 822-6721 or Wye Mills College at (410) 822-5400.
WASHINGTON COUNTY
On Tuesday, December 1, Washington County Health Department will conduct free HIV testing from 8:30 am to 5 pm at 1302 Pennsylvania Ave, Hagerstown 21742. For more information contact Krista Rohrer, RN at (240) 313-3331. On Tuesday, December 1 the Walgreens at 324 E Antietam Street, Suite 203A, Hagerstown 21742, in partnership with the Washington County Health Department, will conduct free HIV testing from 9 am to 4 pm. For more information Contact the local Walgreen’s at (301) 766-4167, or Krista Rohrer, RN at (240) 313-3331. On Tuesday, December 1, the Walgreens at Robinwood, Suite 105, Hagerstown 21742, in partnership with the Washington County Health Department, will conduct free HIV testing from 9 am to 7 pm. For more information contact the local Walgreen’s at (301) 791-5373 or Krista Rohrer, RN at (240) 313-3331. Writers Note: A great deal of appreciation goes to Carmi Washington-Flood, the Chief of Faith Based and Community. Partnerships at the Prevention and Health Promotion Administration of the Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, for her work in compiling and cooperation in providing much of the statewide information included here.
Read the full story here.
